Why pray the Rosary every day for a year?


Each time the Blessed Virgin has appeared-- whether it be to Saint Bernadette Soubirous at Lourdes; to Lucia, Jacinta, and Francisco at Fatima; or to Mariette Beco at Banneux-- she has asserted the importance, saving grace, and power of praying the Holy Rosary on a daily basis. Based upon her words, the Rosary is penance and conversion for sinners, a pathway to peace, an end to war, and a powerful act of faith in Jesus Christ. Pope Paul VI presented the Rosary as a powerful means to reach Christ "not merely with Mary but indeed, insofar as this is possible to us, in the same way as Mary, who is certainly the one who thought about Him more than anyone else has ever done."

To show us how this is done, perhaps no one has been more eloquent than the great Cardinal Newman, who wrote: "The great power of the Rosary consists in the fact that it translates the Creed into Prayer. Of course, the Creed is already in a certain sense a prayer and a great act of homage towards God, but the Rosary brings us to meditate again on the great truth of His life and death, and brings this truth close to our hearts. Even Christians, although they know God, usually fear rather than love Him. The strength of the Rosary lies in the particular manner in which it considers these mysteries, since all our thinking about Christ is intertwined with the thought of His Mother, in the relations between Mother and Son; the Holy Family is presented to us, the home in which God lived His infinite love."

As Mary said at Fatima, "Jesus wants to use you to make Me known and loved. He wishes to establish the devotion to My Immaculate Heart throughout the world. I promise salvation to whoever embraces it; these souls will be dear to God, like flowers put by Me to adorn his throne."



Prayer Requests: July & August

Posted by Jacob


As many of you know, I recently returned from Guatemala (see the lovely Mayan Crucifix, left), where I had the privilege of meeting some incredible families, blessed by the Lord in faith, hope, love, and enduring spirit!  I will be writing more about that trip soon.  In the meantime, I have been trying to "catch up," which has been difficult, so I apologize for the lack of recent posts.

Please join me in praying for the intentions submitted by readers over the past several weeks.  I had over 100 requests awaiting me upon my return!  Together, as a prayer community, we can accomplish great things!


Prayer Requests: July and August

During this month, please join me in lifting the following intentions  submitted through this blog, to Our Lord and Savior, through the intercession of Our Blessed Mother:

Healing for a cancer survivor, financial security, protection of children (C, USA-VA); Financial support for a struggling school (P, India); Successful employment (N, Trinidad & Tobago); Blessings upon a family, freedom from sin (R, USA-CT); For specific intentions of hope and healing (A, Philippines); Reconciliation of relationship between granddaughter and mother (C, USA-NY); Successful employment (A, India); Healing of a mother post-surgery (L, USA-PA); Hearts of hope and faith (N, Switzerland); Repose of soul of husband, financial security (R, USA-CA); Success in job and business (B, Ireland); Healing of a mother and the ill (R, Philippines); Blessed custody arrangement, family harmony (I, USA-CA); Blessings upon a family, healing, hope (S, USA-NJ); For Catholic parishioners in Lesotho (T, Lesotho); Healing, strength, confidence for a daughter (J, Australia); Financial security, health and safety (M, Philippines); Employment and financial security (C, Nigeria); Healing, children blessed by God (M, Lesotho); Successful studies and employment for daughter, freedom from anxiety and worries (M&C, United Kingdom); Successful employment, financial security (R, Cameroon); Freedom from mental illness and anxiety, marriage blessed by God (M, Denmark); Blessings upon a Catholic school (K, USA-MT); Healing of a wife’s eyesight (R, USA-NV); For healing (R, USA-MD); Successful employment, financial security (K, South Africa); Successful employment, financial security (I, USA-FL); Financial security and health for a family (D, USA-PA); Blessings upon a marriage, financial security (N, USA-MI); Conversion of a husband (B, United Kingdom); Successful employment, financial security (J, USA-NY); Blessings of children (M, USA-CT); Healing of a brain tumor (J, United Kingdom); End to family distress (I, India); Blessings upon a family (S, USA-TX); Financial security (D, India); Employment of husband (B, United Kingdom); Healing of arthritis and diabetes (I, Zimbabwe); Safety and protection of a son (M, USA-VT); Blessings and guidance (E, USA-NY); Successful employment, financial security (G, USA-OR); Health, blessings, and financial security (M, USA-CA); Healing and discernment (M, USA-TX); Peace and reconciliation of family, discernment in vocation (G, Uganda); Freedom from addiction (F, Australia); Healing of a relationship with mother (L, India); Blessings upon a parish family (A, USA-FL); Successful local employment (K, Ireland); Blessings upon a family (J, Brazil); The Lord’s mercy upon a father (J, USA-NY); Financial security, successful business (R, India); Healing of many, financial security (D, United Kingdom); For a family to heed the Lord’s will (B, USA-MA); Successful employment, financial security (R, USA-LA); Healing and comfort (M, India); Location of lost important items (J, Philippines); Relationship blessed by God (M, Philippines); Healing on a family, deeper relationship with Christ (G, Philippines); Freedom from addiction, healing, blessings upon a relationship (T, USA-CO); Repose of souls (M, USA-NJ); Blessings and healing upon children (S, USA-NY); Blessings and healing for a family (B, France); Successful studies and examinations (A, Philippines); Healing for a family (A, Philippines); Healing of a family, healing of the mentally ill (B, USA-MA); Relationship blessed by God (C, Philippines); Successful sale of home (T, Canada); Blessings upon a family (L, Nigeria); Relationship blessed by the Lord (M, India); Successful fundraising for academics, health of aging parents (E, Kenya); Deepening relationship with God, blessings and conversion for children and grandchildren (P, USA-CA); Healing, protection, guidance, security for a family (J, Nepal); Blessings upon a family, employment, children (C, United Arab Emirates); Blessings and a positive attitude (A, Qatar); Discernment regarding religious life (M, Ghana); Healing from cancer, blessings upon a relationship (O, Ireland); Successful academic studies (J, England); Financial security, healing and guidance (P, Uganda); Healing and an end to addiction (D, India); Blessings from God on relationships, healing, strength (R, USA-NJ); Reconciliation of a relationship (L, India); Success in occupational and academic pursuits (C, Philippines); Resolution of legal difficulties (R, India).

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Pre-Mission Prayer Requests & Guatemalan Rosary Construction

Posted by Jacob

I leave this evening for my week-long trip to the Guatemalan highlands to serve those in need, build our international Catholic community of faith, and distribute some of the reader-donated Rosaries that I have been able to repair:




... as well as some of the mission-style Rosaries built by our Rosary Construction Mission (and funded by your donations!):



I humbly ask that you pray for myself and my travelling companions during our week of prayer, service, and community!


Prayer Requests:  July

While I am travelling, please join me in lifting the following intentions  submitted through this blog, to Our Lord and Savior, through the intercession of Our Blessed Mother:

For love; Professional advancement (O, United Kingdom); Healing of a grandmother, academic success (O, Nigeria); Protection, sale or property, true conversion (E, Oman); Healing and recovery (A, Philippines); For a sister to find employment (P, South Africa); Reunification of a son and family (T, USA); Blessings upon children, successful employment (C, Philippines); Successful conception, financial security, true conversion, love (P, USA-PA); For a son suffering with mental illness (B, USA); For an end to depression (B, United Kingdom); Health, protection, Successful employment, A relationship blessed by God (K, Spain); Successful resolution of a difficult situation for son (M, USA-OH); Safety and protection during travels (A, USA-MN); Repose of a departed wife’s soul, financial security, strength and courage (J, USA-CA); Healing of an ill father (M, USA-TX).

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July 16: Guatemalan Mission

Posted by Jacob

At the end of the week, I will be heading to Guatemala for a week of outreach to families, sponsored by the Christian Foundation for Children and Aging (CFCA).  During the week-long visit, we will meet with numerous communities in the Guatemalan highlands, spreading the Gospel.  I also hope to distribute some of the Holy Rosaries we have been constructing as part of our "365 Rosaries Construction Mission."





CFCA, which is a non-profit organization founded by lay Catholics in 1981, allows sponsorship of families from around the world who live in poverty.  Through their work, the organization is able to assist families in accessing better education, housing, water, and safety.  This sponsored trip allows us to visit with these families, share in their religious communities, and spread the Gospel throughout the world.

CFCA’s mission is to walk with the poor and marginalized of the world (from their website):

We provide personal attention and direct benefits to children, youth, aging and their families so they may live with dignity, achieve their desired potential and participate fully in society.

We invite people of good will to live in daily solidarity with the world’s poor through one-to-one sponsorship.


We build community by fostering relationships of mutual respect, understanding and support that are culturally diverse, empowering and without religious or other prejudice.


Please join me in prayer for a successful, enriching, and safe trip.  May the Lord and Our Blessed Mother watch over all those involved!


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Looking Back on 2012, Looking Forward to 2013

Posted by Jacob


Looking Back on 2012

For many of us, myself included, 2012 was a difficult year.  Personally, for me, it was a year that brought hardship, anxiety, and doubt.  There were days where it was a struggle to find my faith.  As such, I had a little less time to blog than in previous years, although was able to maintain my daily praying of the Holy Rosary.  I have often wondered and prayed about how best to continue this blog (and whether I should continue), but I think my “answer” comes with some of the statistics from 2012:




Locations of last 500 visitors to 365 Rosaries: A Year of Prayer
With your help, I received over 1,000 prayer requests from over 100 countries around the world this year.

Over 150,000 people visited my humble blog—nearly 20,000 of them during October, the month of the Holy Rosary.

Just some of our constructed Rosaries
I received many donations, prayers, and words of encouragement, allowing the continuation of construction of Holy Rosaries for missions overseas and military personnel deployed abroad. 


If you would like to make a donation, please click on the "Donate" 
button in the left-hand margin (see picture at right).  It costs approximately $1.20 to purchase the materials for one mission-style Rosary.

Reflecting on these numbers, I feel pulled to continue this holy mission, and ask for your prayers, support, and encouragement moving forward.  Together, reflecting on 2012, we offer a prayer of Thanksgiving to our most gracious and forgiving Lord:

Father in Heaven, Creator of all and source of all goodness and love, please look kindly upon us and receive our heartfelt gratitude in this time of giving thanks.

Thank you for all the graces and blessings. You have bestowed upon us, spiritual and temporal: our faith and religious heritage. Our food and shelter, our health, the loves we have for one another, our family and friends. 

Dear Father, in Your infinite generosity, please grant us continued graces and blessing throughout the coming year. 

This we ask in the Name of Jesus, Your Son and our Brother. Amen.



 Looking Forward to 2013

As I look forward to 2013, I am excited with a new year of possibilities, only made possible through the grace and generosity of God.  A few planned “highlights” (finances permitting, of course) of the year include:

Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe
Pilgrimage to Mexico City, Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe:
It was my pilgrimage to the sacred grotto at Lourdes that began my mission, and I feel called to recommit to Our Blessed Mother by visiting one of the sites of her holy apparitions.  As with Lourdes, the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe continues to beckon to me, and I hope to visit during 2013. 














Church of Saint Mary Major, Rome

Visit to Rome Cathedrals and Vatican City:
My work will take me to Rome this spring, and I plan to take full advantage by visiting the Holy Sites of Rome and the Vatican City, among them the Church of Saint Paul Outside the Walls and the Basilica of Mary Major.










Interior, Church of Saint Paul Outside the Walls
Chapel of Blessed Bronislawa
Historic Churches of Krakow, Poland:
There are currently over 130 active Roman Catholic churches in Krakow, Poland, many of which are named for, and house, the relics of the saints of Eastern Europe.  Among those I hope to visit are the Chapel of Blessed Bronislawa, the Crypts of Saint Stanislaus, Church of the Transfiguration, and Basilica of Corpus Christi.
Crypts of Saint Stanislaus
Time permitting,  I hope to visit the Black Madonna of Czestochowska
Lastly, for some years, I have felt a certain inexplicable pull to visit the site of the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camps in Poland, and offer a Rosary for those who so unjustly perished during the second World War.  I feel certain that this is what I have been called to do by Our Blessed Mother, and so hope to schedule this during my spring trip to Europe. 

Of course, I will resume my blogging about the Saints, and holy men and women of our Catholic faith. 




As we look toward 2013, we lift a prayer to Our Lord, a prayer of blessing upon the new year and all that lies ahead.

O sacred and adorable Trinity, hear our prayers on behalf of our holy Father the Pope, our Bishops, our clergy, and for all that are in authority over us. Bless, we beseech Thee, during the coming year, the whole Catholic Church; convert heretics and unbelievers; soften the hearts of sinners so that they may return to Thy friendship; give prosperity to our country and peace among the nations of the world; pour down Thy blessings upon our friends, relatives, and acquaintances, and upon our enemies, if we have any; assist the poor and the sick; have pity on the souls of those whom this year has taken from us; and do Thou be merciful to those who during the coming year will be summoned before Thy judgment seat. May all our actions be preceded by Thy inspirations and carried on by Thy assistance, so that all our prayers and works, having been begun in Thee, may likewise be ended through Thee. Amen.
(source: The Daily Catholic)


May the Lord bless each of you throughout the coming year.

In Christ,
Jacob







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October Prayer Requests, News, and Updates

Posted by Jacob

Greetings, Brothers and Sisters in Christ!

I hope this post finds you well.  Thank you to all of you who continue to submit prayer requests-- as you can see from the list below, the number of requests continues to increase on a daily basis!  During October, so many prayer requests came in, we actually experienced difficulties with the request form (too many requests at one time)!  Many apologies to any of you who attempted to submit requests, but were unsuccessful due to technical issues!

Special thanks to those of you who have recently made donations to the Rosary-construction cause.  While I haven't posted about this in a while, rest assured that we are still constructing Holy Rosaries to provide both to international missions and American military personnel on active duty.  Your donations allow us to continue this important work!  Thanks and God Bless you.  (Of course, given the economic climate, if you are unable to offer a donation, please keep this mission in your prayers!)

Lastly, I apologize for my absence over the past month.  Personally, it has been a difficult month-- I found myself unemployed after 10 years with the same company.  I am pleased to say that through the grace of God, I have secured steady work, but it was an anxiety-filled month.  I appreciate your continued support and prayers!

God bless you all,
jacob


Please join me in praying for those intentions submitted by during the month of October.  Together, we raise our voices in prayer:

"And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints." (Ephesians 6:18)

 "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God." (Philippians 4:6)


Healing from cancer (D, USA-TX);  Healing for a homeless son, end to addiction (A, USA-TN);  Blessings upon a family, Successful employment, Success in studies (F, India);  Blessings and healing, to walk again (M, Ireland);  To find a loving partner, safe travels (B, United Kingdom); Financial security (J, Oman); Blessings and continued service (I, USA-CA); Healing for an ill neighbor (R, India);  For the oratory of Saint Pacifus (M, USA); Courage and discernment to follow spiritual path, peace for family (T, United Kingdom);  Healing of a friend who suffered a stroke (A, Belize); Blessings and reconciliation for a relationship (C, USA-NY); Healing of a husband (P, USA-MD); Financial security, occupational success (F, Malaysia);  Healing of a brother with cancer, family unity (M, USA-PA); Freedom from addictions, Conversion of a family (R, USA-NC); Success in studies and occupation (J, USA-NC);  Successful employment, grace to be a good father (L, Zimbabwe); Healing of a father, reconciliation of a relationship (M, USA-AZ);  Ability and grace to conceive for daughter (C, USA-MI); Occupational success, improved finances (P, India); Health upon family, safety for the Philippines, reconciliation of relationship (L, Philippines); Successful employment (A, United Arab Emirates);  Healing of a son with heart disease, successful travel and immigration (N, United Kingdom); Successful international study (E, Ghana);  Healing of a daughter’s eyes and vision (P, USA-TN); True conversion and strengthening of faith (M, Malaysia);  Successful driving test (A, Japan);  Healing, financial security, occupational success, protection (M, India); Successful employment and continued hope (F, Philippines);  Financial security, healing of a daughter with mental health issues (L, USA-MN);  Success in studies (M, Germany); Successful studies, guidance in finding a partner (M, Philippines); Financial assistance, healing of a relationship with a husband (M, Argentina);  Healing of a mother with cancer (N, USA-NM);  Conversion of a friend (M, Italy);  Healing of mental illness (R, Canada);  Healing of cancer, strength and hope (R, USA-IL);  Freedom from addiction for a son, academic success (S, India); Closer relationship with the Lord, healing of a relationship (I, USA); Blessings upon a marriage (S, Malaysia); Healing of leg sores (M, USA-CO); Blessings upon a relationship (A, Canada); Healing, freedom from anxiety and fear (Anonymous, United Kingdom); Successful business transactions (N, Nigeria);  Healing of a grandmother and granddaughter (L, Philippines); Financial security, passing of examinations, good health (F, Philippines); Restoration of family relationships, repose of departed souls, protection, health (H, Philippines); Blessings upon a struggling relationship, successful employment (E, Philippines); Financial success for a new business venture (F, Canada); Physical healing, financial security, reconciliation of a family, safe travels (T, Philippines); Successful resolution to a legal matter, peace in a family (F, India); Financial security, protection and strength (G, USA-CA);  Health for twin sons (G, USA-NY); Blessings upon a daughter, safe travels and successful employment, discernment in finding a Godly relationship (L, Philippines); Healing of a mother, brother, and uncle, successful employment (V, India); Successful employment for husband, academic guidance for son, end to work difficulties (B, USA-CA); Perseverance (E, USA-NY); Guidance in sons’ lives, end to addiction, good health (L, USA-NJ); Blessings upon a family, completion of a home, freedom from fear and anxiety (T, India);  Healing of a grandson with cancer (M, USA-CA);  Conversion, healing of mental health issues, end to addiction, discernment in relationships and vocation (A, USA-VT); Healing of cancer (M, USA-NY);  For a son’s employment and health, financial security, health (M, United Arab Emirates);  Financial security, health and safety, courage to follow God’s will (E, USA-NM);  Companionship (M, Greece); Blessings upon a new family (M, Malaysia);  For guidance in preparation of a retreat, blessings upon a family, discernment (K, USA-OH);  Healing of cancer (H, Philippines);  Healing of a stroke (J, USA-CT);  Financial security, successful employment (A, USA-FL); Financial blessings, peaceful living situation (L, USA-NY);  Protection and conversion, guidance in relationships, financial freedom (K, Algeria);  Successful conception, health, and hope (L, Spain);  Resolution of a legal situation, financial security (M, India);  Healing of a marriage (J, USA-MA); End to bad habits (P, USA-PA);  Resolution of misunderstandings, healing of phobia, companionship and peace (L, USA-CA); Financial security (J, USA-HI); Healing of a couple mourning their child, financial security (B, USA-OH);  Blessings upon a relationship (P, India);  Blessings and healing, financial security (M, India);  Occupational success, healing of relationships (V, India);  Blessings upon sister and family (T, India); Successful employment (J, Philippines);  Healing, strength, and peace (F, South Africa); Healing (B, United Arab Emirates); Successful delivery of child, employment for husband, end to financial woes (W, United Arab Emirates); Successful employment, financial security (S, India);  Academic success for daughter (M, Singapore); Blessings upon a marriage of 18 years (S, Malaysia); Conversion, hope and healing, personal intentions, repose of souls (A, Philippines); Healing of relationship with son (J, India); Successful employment for son, academic success for daughter (R, USA-PA); Healing of a husband, safety of family, blessings upon relationship (S, India); True conversion and love for God (R, USA-NB);  Healing, financial security (D, USA-CA); Healing and peace for a daughter with autism (S, Australia); Health and healing, repose of the departed, those struggling with addiction (N, Ireland);  Health, healing, financial security (M, USA-TX); Improved communication in relationships, blessings upon marriage (F, Mauritius); Blessings upon a daughter (N, Philippines); Academic success (L, India); Financial security, health and healing (C, Philippines); Academic success, freedom from anxiety (M, USA-AZ); Health and healing (W, Singapore).


"Hear my prayer, O God; listen to the words of my mouth." (Psalm 54:2)
 
"If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer." (Matthew 21:22)
 

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"Vacation" Prayer Requests, July

Posted by Jacob

During the month of July, I will be away from my computer on vacation.  While I will not be able to frequently post, I will continue to receive and lift all requests in prayer, during my daily Rosary... I just may not be able to respond immediately.


Have a safe and blessed July!


Please join me in praying for those intentions submitted by readers over the past week.  Together, we raise our voices in prayer.


"And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints." (Ephesians 6:18)

 "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God." (Philippians 4:6)





Healing of a heart condition, transfer from difficult work placement (F, India);  Resolution to legal problems, reunification of a family (M, USA-NY);  Safety and protection for a son serving in the Marines (C, USA-IL);  For safe delivery of a child, for physical and mental health of mother and infant (A, Philippines); Healing from chronic condition, peace (M, USA-MD);  Resolution of a difficult family situation (E, USA-NY);  Healing upon an inmate, conversion to the faith (T, USA-SC);  End to depression, healing for a family financial assistance (M, Argentina);  Health and healing, financial assistance (H, Canada); Healing of a relationship (M, India);  Healing of a tumor (L, USA-NY);  Healing of a mother with cancer, peaceful repose of a father (E, Philippines);  Successful surgery and healing of a wife (A, USA-NY);  Healing of memory loss for father, health for daughter (T, USA-CA);  Successful recovery of a lost mentally ill individual (T, USA-NJ);  For grace in the spiritual direction of others (C, USA-MO);  Health and safety for a pregnant woman and child (V, Namibia);  Restoration of a relationship, healing of a mother with cancer (S, India);  Blessings upon a relationship (K, Serbia);  For the mental health of a daughter, that she may receive the assistance needed (D, USA-FL);  For a son struggling with mental illness (C, Finland);  For successful employment, financial assistance, and fulfillment for an unemployed brother (H, United Arab Emirates);  Spiritual, emotional, and financial liberation (C, Philippines);  Healing of physical and mental illnesses (H, USA-IN);  Blessings upon a family (C, Ireland);  True conversion for a family (A, USA-CO).



"Hear my prayer, O God; listen to the words of my mouth." (Psalm 54:2)
 
"If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer." (Matthew 21:22)
 

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Technical Difficulties Resolved

Posted by Jacob

Some of you may have noticed over the past week that the 'Submit a Prayer Request' function had been disabled due to some technical difficulties.  I am happy to report that this has been corrected, and readers are free to again submit prayer requests.  I apologize for any difficulty or delay this has created, and look forward to the gift and privilege of lifting your requests in my daily prayer.  God bless each of you.


jacob

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365 Rosaries to Relaunch on the Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes

Posted by Jacob

After some time of prayerful reflection, I have decided to "relaunch" 365 Rosaries: a year of prayer on the feast day of Our Lady of Lourdes.  Given that my piligrimage and subsequent call led to the creation of this blog, it only seems fitting that my continued committment honor Our Blessed Mother on her feast day!

With the decision made, only the "details" remain to be figured out:  How often will I post?  What will the content be? What will change, what will stay the same?  I imagine that some of these answers may be a work in progress, that the blog will evolve in its own time, as all things do.  I welcome any thoughts regarding the future, and again extend my gratitude for the countless emails, notes, prayer requests, and prayers that I have been offered over the past month of discernment.

May the Lord bless each of you.
jacob


Requested Intentions: For those courageously fighting cancer (M); Physical healing and financial security (C); For a family to serve the Lord, for physical healing, financial security (R); For a return to the faith of a family (D); Financial security, health, and peace for a family (N); End to debt, peace and health (E); For a young boy facing medical challenges (M); Permanent employment for a son (R); For inmates facing illness (M); For the renewal of a marriage (A);  For the blessing of a union (C); Peaceful resolution to work difficulties, end to health challenges (R); For private intentions (J); For the faith of a prayer group (A); For healing and conversion of the injured (C); Healing of a family following the death of a loved one, resolution of legal matters (J); Employment and security for a mother and children (A); Healing and peace (J); Healing and peace in a family (D); Successful employment (M); Healing of a relationship (B)

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January 21: Year 3 Update

Posted by Jacob

Thank you to all who have contacted me since my last post, regarding the future of this blog.  Since I have taken a break to contemplate and pray about the continuation of this 2-year endeavor, I have received countless messages, donations, and prayer requests, which have greatly warmed my heart and fortified my spirit.  Thank you all.

With the Lord's blessings, and the intervention of Our Blessed Mother, I feel that I am getting close to a decision.  In the meantime, I am continuing to pray for each intention submitted, and for those maintained in the quiet hearts of my readers.

May the Lord bless each of you!

jacob

Requested Intentions: For a family struggling with debt following medical bills (A); End to legal difficulties, security, and peace for a family (M);  Healing and conversion (T); For children with special medical needs and those who care for them (M);  Comfort for a family suffering loss; repose of the souls of the departed (E);  For the spiritual needs of a family (I); End to addiction for daughter, healing of a family (D); For the healing of a friend dealing with a family situation (M); For healing of a long-distance relationship (M); For a successful marriage (A);  Healing after a leg fracture, blessings upon daughters in educational and occupational endeavors (M); For resolution of a difficult work situation (F); Successful employment (C); Healing, end to anxiety (D); For the faith and return to Mass for a mother and son (K). Successful employment (J); For a son with autoimmune disease (S); Successful employment and health (A); Financial security (M); Repose of the soul of a department mother, blessings upon a homeless shelter, those who live and work there, financial security (C); Blessings upon a relationship (S); Healing of a mother, financial security, for a friend going away to college (R); Conversion and return to the faith (M); End to addiction for son and grandson (C); job security, peace for a sick mother, a loving relationship (J); Care of a mother, healing of a relationship (D); Healing of a brain tumor (K); Healing and conversion (A); Healing, conversion, grace to change a life for the better (S); Successful studies (M); Blessings and grace upon one preparing for death (L); Healing of a mother, freedom from anxiety (L); Successful adjustment to newly adopted home (A); Successful return to work (M); Healing upon a son and family (T); Financial security, safety, and peace for a family (F).

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2012: Year 3 of "a year of prayer"

Posted by Jacob

Happy and Blessed New Year!

After 2 years of daily posts and prayer, I found myself in need of a short break (from the blog, not the prayer!), and have spent the last two weeks attempting to figure out how to proceed with this blog.  I have been praying for guidance as to the future of "a year in prayer: 365 Rosaries" and welcome any thoughts or comments that readers may have regarding this topic.

I feel incredibly blessed and privileged to have come this far, and met and prayed for so many people.  What an incredible joy and honor it is to lift the intentions of so many in prayer to Our Lord, through the intercession of Our Blessed Mother.

Over 100,000 readers have visited this humble blog since inception, spanning the globe and including nearly 150 countries.  Never could I have anticipated such a response, and such warm greetings, prayers, and support from strangers.

As I contemplate the evolution of this endeavor, I humbly ask for your continued prayers and support.  Please know that I am continuing to receive prayer requests, and will continue to lift them in prayer during this period of discernment.

Wishing you all a blessed and peaceful 2012, filled with the grace of God and the knowledge of our salvation in Christ-

jacob









Requested Intentions:  Successful employment (J); For a son with autoimmune disease (S); Successful employment and health (A); Financial security (M); Repose of the soul of a department mother, blessings upon a homeless shelter, those who live and work there, financial security (C); Blessings upon a relationship (S); Healing of a mother, financial security, for a friend going away to college (R); Conversion and return to the faith (M); End to addiction for son and grandson (C); job security, peace for a sick mother, a loving relationship (J); Care of a mother, healing of a relationship (D); Healing of a brain tumor (K); Healing and conversion (A); Healing, conversion, grace to change a life for the better (S); Successful studies (M); Blessings and grace upon one preparing for death (L); Healing of a mother, freedom from anxiety (L); Successful adjustment to newly adopted home (A); Successful return to work (M); Healing upon a son and family (T); Financial security, safety, and peace for a family (F).

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Rosary Construction Project Resumes!

Posted by Jacob

Some of you may have noticed that the numbers of Rosaries constructed (visible on the left-hand sidebar) have begun creeping back upwards this month. The Rosary Construction project has indeed resumed!

Last year, with the help of some friends, I was able to construct 1,000 Holy Rosaries that were distributed to overseas missionaries and military personnel deployed overseas. Last year, Rosaries were sent to missionaries in East Timor, to an orphanage and school in India, and thorughout the world as part of the Rosaries for the World project (a mission of Holy Cross Ministries). Today, we pray that the Rosaries we constructed have reached those in need of prayer aids, and brought them to Christ through the gracious intercession of Our Blessed Mother!

In part, this project was made possible through the financial donations of readers. If you would like to make a donation toward the Rosary Construction project, you may do so safely and securely through the PayPal link on the left-hand sidebar, or by clicking on the link below.




 Each Rosary costs approximately $1.25 to construct—no donation is too small!

More importantly, I welcome your prayers and support for the success of this Rosary Construction mission. The prayers and encouragement received have been instrumental in continuing not only this project, but my overall second “year of prayer!”


Some photos from the Rosary Construction project:











Today, we pray to Saint Joseph, husband of Our Blessed Mother, and earthly father of Jesus, to guide our mission and assist the work of our hands in glorifying the Lord!

Glorious Saint Joseph, model of all those who are devoted to labor, obtain for me the grace to work conscientiously, putting the call of duty above my many sins; to work with thankfulness and joy, considering it an honor to employ and develop, by means of labor, the gifts received from God; to work with order, peace, prudence and patience, never surrendering to weariness or difficulties; to work, above all, with purity of intention, and with detachment from self, having always death before my eyes and the account which I must render of time lost, of talents wasted, of good omitted, of vain complacency in success so fatal to the work of God. All for Jesus, all for Mary, all after thy example, O Patriarch Joseph. Such shall be my motto in life and death. Amen.

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365 Rosaries: A Year in Prayer: the last day of the year!

Posted by Jacob

Today officially marks day 365 of 365—the last day of my ‘year in prayer!’


What an amazing year it has been—one that moved both slowly and incredibly fast! Over the course of this year, I have been graced with a deeper connection with Our Lord and Blessed Mother, both through daily prayer, and also the privilege of hearing from, meeting, and praying for all those who submitted prayer intentions. Many of those whom I was honored to pray for sent follow-up messages, updating me on their lives, the work of the Lord in their lives, and offering support and encouragement during my spiritual jounrey. For these messages, I am especially grateful.

Never could I have anticipated the reach of one man’s writings on the Holy Rosary, Catholic saints, and the Gospel of Jesus Christ! This humble blog has grown throughout the year, with people “subscribing” via email, joining us on our facebook page, and nearly 20,000 readers visiting the blog itself! These readers came from all over the world: over 100 countries, on 6 continents, including:

Albania
Argentina
Australia
Austria
Bahrain
Barbados
Belgium
Belize
Bermuda
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Botswana
Brazil
Bulgaria
Burkina Faso
Cameroon
Canada
Chile
Colombia
Costa Rica
Croatia
Cyprus
Czech Republic
Denmark
Dominica
Dominican Republic
Ecuador
Egypt
Ethiopia
Fiji
Finland
France
Germany
Ghana
Great Britain
Greece
Guam
Guatelmala
Guyana
Honduras
Hong Kong
Hungary
Iceland
India
Indonesia
Iraq
Ireland
Israel
Italy
Jamaica
Japan
Jordan
Kenya
Korea
Kuwait
Latvia
Lebanon
Lithuania
Luxumburg
Macedonia
Malaysia
Malta
Mexico
Morocco
Namibia
Netherlands
Netherlands Antilles
New Zealand
Nigeria
Northern Mariana Islands
Norway
Oman
Pakistan
Panama
Peru
Philippines
Poland
Portugal
Puerto Rico
Qatar
Romania
Russian Federation
Rwanda
Samoa
San Marino
Saudi Arabia
Singapore
Slovakia
SloveniaSoloman Islands
South Africa
Spain
Sri Lanka
Sweden
Switzerland
Taiwan
Thailand
Trinidad and Tobago
Turkey
Uganda
Ukraine
United Arab Emirates
United States of America
US Virgin Islands
Venezuela
Vietnam
Zimbabwe

Of course, there may be some I missed over the course of the year!


Together with some local friends, and made possible through the donations of readers, I also constructed over 1,000 mission-style Rosaries this year—sent to both military personnel deployed overseas and to international missionaries to distribute amongst those they minister to.

In short, through the grace of the Lord, I met my goals this year—to pray the Rosary every day, to blog about my experience every day (665 posts, to be precise!), to construct at least 1,000 Rosaries! And I thank you all—all who have read, assisted, encouraged, supported, submitted, subscribed, and commented—for your participation in this amazing experience!


Tomorrow begins 2011… and with my first year officially concluced, many have inquired as to what will happen to the blog. Truth be told, I’m still not sure myself! I place the continuation of this work in the hands of the Lord, and as the Spirit continues to move me, so will the blog continue to exist… although possibly in a different format or publishing frequency!

As we look towards the New Year, I wish you all a blessed, grace-filled, safe, and spiritually meaningful 2011. God Bless each and every one of you, and may our Blessed Mother surround you were her love and grace now, and throughout the year.

In Christ,
jacob



A Prayer for the New Year

O sacred and adorable Trinity, hear our prayers on behalf of our holy Father the Pope, our Bishops, our clergy, and for all that are in authority over us. Bless, we beseech Thee, during the coming year, the whole Catholic Church; convert heretics and unbelievers; soften the hearts of sinners so that they may return to Thy friendship; give prosperity to our country and peace among the nations of the world; pour down Thy blessings upon our friends, relatives, and acquaintances, and upon our enemies, if we have any; assist the poor and the sick; have pity on the souls of those whom this year has taken from us; and do Thou be merciful to those who during the coming year will be summoned before Thy judgment seat. May all our actions be preceded by Thy inspirations and carried on by Thy assistance, so that all our prayers and works, having been begun in Thee, may likewise be ended through Thee. Amen.

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